For many people with disabilities, assistive technology (AT) is an essential
support to daily living. A person may depend on a wheelchair, walker, special
computer keyboard, speech generating device or other AT device at home, at school
or at work. Finding ways to make AT more available is something with which few
could argue.

Over many years, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education
and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has supported research in assistive technology,
as well as making AT more available to people with disabilities. More recently,
OSERS has supported a number of activities to encourage and support AT reuse
under the Assistive Technology Act. OSERS is now taking the lead
on a national level to promote and encourage AT reuse through grants to state
agencies, non-profit organizations and other entities to support AT reuse. OSERS
also is funding a national coordination center, the
Pass It On Center, to provide technical assistance and networking opportunities
for state agencies and other entities that are awarded grants to support AT
reuse (see www.passitoncenter.org
for more information).

Reuse of AT is emerging as one of the ways to make AT more available. To the
extent that AT reuse is practiced today, it is generally done through:

Device exchange programs in which a "seller" and a "buyer"
are connected directly with each other, as with classified ads; or

Device reassignment programs in which an organization accepts, sanitizes,
repairs and stores donated AT items until new owners are found.

Why Reuse AT?

Reuse of assistive technology makes common sense.

Many people can't get the AT they need because they can't afford new devices
and can't get funding from private insurance or federal, state or local sources.
People in need of AT may turn to AT reuse programs because these programs often
do not have eligibility requirements. In addition, used AT is generally more
affordable, if not free. Others may choose used AT because they do not want
to invest in new devices if they will be needed for only a short time.

AT reuse also benefits those giving away the AT. Passing on used devices means
no longer needing to store them and sparing the environment the impact of throwing
them away. In addition, those who donate AT know they are helping people in
need.

Who Is Involved in AT Reuse?

Hundreds of organizations around the country, large and small, are involved
in AT reuse. From state agencies, to nonprofits, to hospitals, to churches,
there are AT reuse programs in all parts of the country that meet all kinds
of needs.

Under the Assistive Technology Act, the Rehabilitation Services
Administration component of OSERS funds a statewide AT program in each of the
50 states and six territories, and the majority of these programs support AT
device reuse activities. To find the program in your state, visit the following
Web site: www.passitoncenter.org/locations.shtml

How Can We Improve AT Reuse?

By supporting programs at the national, state and local levels, OSERS wants
to ensure an efficient and effective system for getting used AT into the hands
of those who need it. The Pass It On Center is working at the national level
to improve promotion, coordination and networking. For more information about
or assistance with AT reuse, contact:

Pass It On Center
c/o Georgia Department of Labor, Tools for Life
1700 Century Circle, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30345-3020